Like Reagan, Obama Is Prisoner of Foreign Policy

If denying reality to preserve a certain view of the world always leads to disastrous consequences, so does trying to remake reality through a mistaken foreign policy, namely preemptive wars, military occupations and hypocritical activities. Even now as those on the right condemn President Barack Obama for negotiating with the Taliban to help win release of Bowe Bergdahl, a U.S. soldier captured in Afghanistan, some calling for his impeachment, those on the left are disappointed that the war in Afghanistan will not really end in 2016 as the president claimed. They too are criticizing Obama for wanting to leave a residual force of 10,000 U.S. troops for many years to come.

Like Obama, Republican icon Ronald Reagan was criticized by members of his own political party. By the time he left office, foreign policy makers had advised him to fight a protracted arms race, preemptively invade and occupy several small nations and plant laser weapons in outer space, all costing nearly $4 trillion dollars. Counter-terrorist "experts" encouraged him to "excise the cancer of communism" from Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica and Guatemala. U.S. foreign policy nearly destroyed Nicaragua, causing the World Court of Law to condemn the Reagan Administration for "structural terrorism." Over 200,000 El Salvadorans were brutally slain. Some record.

Reagan's war on terrorism was also supposed to be one of "swift and effective retribution." It was shallow at best. The "terror list," where eight nations were believed to be pursuing state-sponsored terrorism, Iraq being one, was a sham. American businesses continued to invest and reap profits from listed states. Others that sponsored terrorism were never included. The Reagan Administration helped arm Iraq in its aggressive war against Iran, conveniently ignoring Iraq's poison gas attacks. In 1982, foreign policy gurus militarily supported Israel's attack on Lebanon, including the invasion of West Beirut resulting in the Sabra and Shatila massacres. While observing such atrocities, Osama bin Laden became "radicalized" and vowed to do the same to the U.S.

To try and prevent further bloodshed, U.S. Marines were deployed to Beirut as part of an international peacekeeping force. How ironic for U.S. foreign policy to have been partly responsible for civilian massacres at Sabra and Shatila and was now used to promote peace and security. When suicide truck bombers struck the U.S. embassy and then Marine barracks, killing 283, Reagan's "swift and effective retribution" turned into a swift and defective retreat. It was defective because the U.S. continued to deny foreign realities, trying to remake the world by arming proxy states and fighting proxy wars. In the mean time, American citizens in foreign nations were taken hostage and used as leverage.

When Reagan left the White House, he was a prisoner of his own and his advisors foreign policies, of claiming there would be no deals with "terrorists." Yet, he and many in his staff were implicated in trading arms for hostages. It was also discovered that they brokered a deal with Iran to hold U.S. hostages until after the 1980 presidential election, assuring a Republican victory. The few times that Reagan did counter so-called terrorism is still ambiguous. How effective was it killing Libyan civilians to teach Muammar Gaddafi a lesson? Were such retaliatory attacks worth isolating NATO and other allies? In Central America, U.S. foreign policy was paramount to genocide.

Instead of disproportionately attacking supposed terrorists, assisting in poison gas attacks or massacring innocent civilians, the Reagan Administration should have attacked its own foreign policies. Australian criminologist Grant Wandlaw writes that the key to formulating a good foreign and counterterrorist policy was a balanced appreciation of the threat and a fair, judicious response.(1) Just like Reagan, Obama is finding out that since neither has been achieved he too is a prisoner of U.S. foreign policy. He is also imprisoned by America's counterterrorist strategies. Despite trillions of dollars spent, Americans and U.S. interests abroad are still the most favored targets for terrorists. Why?

The problem lies with how America views others and perceives itself. This is why Obama has been unable to build bridges with other Islamic nations. It is the reason the U.S. will continue to be less influential around the world. Seldom do nations work with or support other nations that behave erratic and untrustworthy, that are easily prone to fits of hypocrisy and double standards, that formulate their foreign policies with pathological intentions. Neither will some nations ever forget the enormous suffering and human rights violations caused by U.S. foreign policy. It will take decades to improve credibility. Not everyone can be bought with money or enticed with more economic investments.

The U.S. just commemorated D-Day, and for good reason. The liberation of Europe from Nazism was important for freedom and human rights. Seventy-years later the U.S. needs another D-Day. A more modernized D-Day for the U.S., then, would consist of demilitarizing and demobilizing its militant and genocidal foreign policy strategies. Otherwise, from the Ukraine to the Pacific region, including Syria and Libya in the Middle East and a number of African nations, Obama and future presidents and the American people will continue to be prisoners of their own military debacles. All along, the real cancer that needed to be excised was from U.S. foreign policies.

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Obama's surprise visit to Afghanistan

President Obama Pays a Surprise Visit to Troops in Afghanistan

published:25 May 2014

President Obama Pays a Surprise Visit to Troops in Afghanistan

President Obama Pays a Surprise Visit to Troops in Afghanistan

published:25 May 2014

views:202615

Ahead of Memorial Day, the President made a surprise visit to Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan, where he spoke to thousands of troops stationed there and thanked them for their service. May 25, 2014....

President Obama Pays a Surprise Visit to Troops in Afghanistan

published:25 May 2014

views:202615

Ahead of Memorial Day, the President made a surprise visit to Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan, where he spoke to thousands of troops stationed there and thanked them for their service. May 25, 2014....

President Obama meets with the President of Afghanistan

Obama comments on Afghanistan and Syria; analyst on Afghanistan

published:31 Jul 2015

Obama comments on Afghanistan and Syria; analyst on Afghanistan

Obama comments on Afghanistan and Syria; analyst on Afghanistan

published:31 Jul 2015

views:1

STORYLINE:
US President Barack Obama said on Monday his administration\'s thinking on possible military involvement in Syria would change if chemical or biological weapons came into play in the Syrian civil war.
Speaking to reporters at a White House news conference, Obama said the use of such weapons of mass destruction would widen the conflict considerably.
\"It concerns our close allies in the region, including Israel. It concerns us. We cannot have a situation where chemical or biological weapons are falling into the hands of the wrong people,\" Obama said.
The President added that the the US would be forced to reconsider its policy on Syria if \"we start seeing a whole bunch of chemical weapons start moving around or being utilised. That would change my calculus.\"
The US President also vowed to do more to protect US troops from a wave of lethal attacks by Afghan soldiers and police.
Obama said US efforts to train Afghan forces have put \"our troops are in much closer contact with Afghan troops on an ongoing basis. And, part of what we\'ve got to do is to make sure that this model works, but it doesn\'t make our guys more vulnerable.\"
Obama said at the news conference that he has talked to a top US military leader about the attacks and plans to speak to Afghan President Hamid Karzai, as well.
Once an anomaly, attacks on international troops by members of Afghan security forces have been climbing in recent months.
There have been 32 such attacks this year, up from 21 attacks in 2011, according to NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation).
Obama said US officials ar...

Obama comments on Afghanistan and Syria; analyst on Afghanistan

published:31 Jul 2015

views:1

STORYLINE:
US President Barack Obama said on Monday his administration\'s thinking on possible military involvement in Syria would change if chemical or biological weapons came into play in the Syrian civil war.
Speaking to reporters at a White House news conference, Obama said the use of such weapons of mass destruction would widen the conflict considerably.
\"It concerns our close allies in the region, including Israel. It concerns us. We cannot have a situation where chemical or biological weapons are falling into the hands of the wrong people,\" Obama said.
The President added that the the US would be forced to reconsider its policy on Syria if \"we start seeing a whole bunch of chemical weapons start moving around or being utilised. That would change my calculus.\"
The US President also vowed to do more to protect US troops from a wave of lethal attacks by Afghan soldiers and police.
Obama said US efforts to train Afghan forces have put \"our troops are in much closer contact with Afghan troops on an ongoing basis. And, part of what we\'ve got to do is to make sure that this model works, but it doesn\'t make our guys more vulnerable.\"
Obama said at the news conference that he has talked to a top US military leader about the attacks and plans to speak to Afghan President Hamid Karzai, as well.
Once an anomaly, attacks on international troops by members of Afghan security forces have been climbing in recent months.
There have been 32 such attacks this year, up from 21 attacks in 2011, according to NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation).
Obama said US officials ar...

Reaction in Afghanistan to Obama's State of the Union address

published:31 Jul 2015

Reaction in Afghanistan to Obama's State of the Union address

Reaction in Afghanistan to Obama's State of the Union address

published:31 Jul 2015

views:0

SHOTLIST
Kabul - February 13, 2013
1. Close of soldier holding gun
2. Various of checkpoint
3. Mid of Afghan defence ministry spokesman, General Zahir Azimi, working in his office
4. SOUNDBITE: (Dari) General Zahir Azimi, Afghan defence ministry spokesman:
\"The Afghan defence ministry welcomes the decision by the US to withdraw 34-thousand troops over the next year. We are ready to fill the vacuum and we are also ready to take full responsibility for security in 2013.\"
FILE: Kandahar Province - September, 15 2012
5. Wide of US soldiers unloading their bags from the back of truck
6. Various of soldiers unloading their ammunition
7. Various of military vehicles entering the base
Kabul - February 13, 2013
8. Mid of Afghan member of parliament, Zahir Sadat, watching US President Obama\'s State of the Union speech on TV
9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Zahir Sadat, Afghan member of parliament:
\"As far as we have logistical supports, technical supports and some presence of their troops in Afghanistan, we will have stability. If they leave Afghanistan like they left in 1990s then it will be a very serious issue and I think Afghanistan again will face major problems strategically and it will be out of control for any administration.\"
10. Various of street scenes Kabul city
11. SOUNDBITE: (Dari) Fazel Amin, school teacher - Vox Pop:
\"I welcome the announcement by Barack Obama it is a good decision. Afghans must stand on their own feet and take charge of their government and country by themselves.\"
12. SOUNDBITE: (Pashto) Abdul Rahim, university student - Vox Pop:
\"...

Reaction in Afghanistan to Obama's State of the Union address

published:31 Jul 2015

views:0

SHOTLIST
Kabul - February 13, 2013
1. Close of soldier holding gun
2. Various of checkpoint
3. Mid of Afghan defence ministry spokesman, General Zahir Azimi, working in his office
4. SOUNDBITE: (Dari) General Zahir Azimi, Afghan defence ministry spokesman:
\"The Afghan defence ministry welcomes the decision by the US to withdraw 34-thousand troops over the next year. We are ready to fill the vacuum and we are also ready to take full responsibility for security in 2013.\"
FILE: Kandahar Province - September, 15 2012
5. Wide of US soldiers unloading their bags from the back of truck
6. Various of soldiers unloading their ammunition
7. Various of military vehicles entering the base
Kabul - February 13, 2013
8. Mid of Afghan member of parliament, Zahir Sadat, watching US President Obama\'s State of the Union speech on TV
9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Zahir Sadat, Afghan member of parliament:
\"As far as we have logistical supports, technical supports and some presence of their troops in Afghanistan, we will have stability. If they leave Afghanistan like they left in 1990s then it will be a very serious issue and I think Afghanistan again will face major problems strategically and it will be out of control for any administration.\"
10. Various of street scenes Kabul city
11. SOUNDBITE: (Dari) Fazel Amin, school teacher - Vox Pop:
\"I welcome the announcement by Barack Obama it is a good decision. Afghans must stand on their own feet and take charge of their government and country by themselves.\"
12. SOUNDBITE: (Pashto) Abdul Rahim, university student - Vox Pop:
\"...

AP Television
Washington, DC 21 August, 2009
1. Wide of Barack Obama approaching podium
2. Cutaway - reporters/cameras
3. SOUNDBITE: (English) Barack Obama, President - United States:
\"This was an important step forward in the Afghan people\'s effort to take control of their future, even as violent extremists are trying to stand in their way. This election was run by the Afghan people. In fact, it was the first democratic election run by Afghans in over three decades.\"
4. Cutaway - wide of Obama at podium
5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Barack Obama, President - United States:
\"Yet even in the face of this brutality, millions of Afghans exercised the right to choose their leaders and determine their own destiny. And as I watched the election, I was struck by their courage in the face of intimidation, and their dignity in the face of disorder. \"
6. Cutaway - wide of camera line up
7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Barack Obama, President - United States:
\"This is not a challenge that we asked for -- it came to our shores when al Qaeda launched the 9/11 attacks from Afghanistan. But America, our allies and partners, and above all the Afghan people share a common interest in pursuing security, opportunity, and justice. We look forward to renewing our partnership with the Afghan people as they move ahead under a new government. I want to again congratulate the Afghanistan people on carrying out this historic election, and wish them a blessed month as they come together to welcome the beginning of Ramadan. Thanks very much, everybody.\"
8. UPSOUND: (reporter\'s Que...

AP Television
Washington, DC 21 August, 2009
1. Wide of Barack Obama approaching podium
2. Cutaway - reporters/cameras
3. SOUNDBITE: (English) Barack Obama, President - United States:
\"This was an important step forward in the Afghan people\'s effort to take control of their future, even as violent extremists are trying to stand in their way. This election was run by the Afghan people. In fact, it was the first democratic election run by Afghans in over three decades.\"
4. Cutaway - wide of Obama at podium
5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Barack Obama, President - United States:
\"Yet even in the face of this brutality, millions of Afghans exercised the right to choose their leaders and determine their own destiny. And as I watched the election, I was struck by their courage in the face of intimidation, and their dignity in the face of disorder. \"
6. Cutaway - wide of camera line up
7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Barack Obama, President - United States:
\"This is not a challenge that we asked for -- it came to our shores when al Qaeda launched the 9/11 attacks from Afghanistan. But America, our allies and partners, and above all the Afghan people share a common interest in pursuing security, opportunity, and justice. We look forward to renewing our partnership with the Afghan people as they move ahead under a new government. I want to again congratulate the Afghanistan people on carrying out this historic election, and wish them a blessed month as they come together to welcome the beginning of Ramadan. Thanks very much, everybody.\"
8. UPSOUND: (reporter\'s Que...

A day after announcing he's ending the Afghanistan "surge," President Barack Obama went see Army tro

published:31 Jul 2015

A day after announcing he's ending the Afghanistan "surge," President Barack Obama went see Army tro

A day after announcing he's ending the Afghanistan "surge," President Barack Obama went see Army tro

published:31 Jul 2015

views:0

HEADLINE: Obama visits troops amid Afghan pullout grumbles
CAPTION: A day after announcing he\'s ending the Afghanistan \"surge,\" President Barack Obama went to see Army troops -- while critics griped about his plan, and his top commanders acknowledged they\'d have preferred a slower drawdown. (June 23)
(VO: Into, applause at Drum - FORT DRUM, N.Y.)
Among troops who led the Afghanistan \"surge\", the man who\'s launching the drawdown was welcome. A day after his prime-time announcement, President Barack Obama told soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division their heroics make it possible.
(SOT/President Barack Obama)
\"We have turned a corner where we can begin to bring back some of our troops.\"
(VO: cutaways of Obama posing for pix)
Obama\'s plan would bring all 30,000 surge troops home by September of next year ...
(VO: File Afghan fighting)
... but still leave 70,000 U.S. troops to battla a stubborn Taliban ...
(VO: Back to Obama)
... while diplomats try to get peace talks going.
(SOT/Obama)
\"Because of you there are signs that the Taliban may be interested in a political settlement.\"
(VO: APTN shots of French newser with guys in uniform)
Meantime, the allies are following suit -- French officials announcing they, too, will draw down a force of 4,000.
(Standup bridge - last take 9)
While the president was discussing his plan with the troops, aides back here in Washington were defending it -- both against hawks who called it a politically driven rush to the exits, but even top Democrats, who worry it DOESN\'T move...

A day after announcing he's ending the Afghanistan "surge," President Barack Obama went see Army tro

published:31 Jul 2015

views:0

HEADLINE: Obama visits troops amid Afghan pullout grumbles
CAPTION: A day after announcing he\'s ending the Afghanistan \"surge,\" President Barack Obama went to see Army troops -- while critics griped about his plan, and his top commanders acknowledged they\'d have preferred a slower drawdown. (June 23)
(VO: Into, applause at Drum - FORT DRUM, N.Y.)
Among troops who led the Afghanistan \"surge\", the man who\'s launching the drawdown was welcome. A day after his prime-time announcement, President Barack Obama told soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division their heroics make it possible.
(SOT/President Barack Obama)
\"We have turned a corner where we can begin to bring back some of our troops.\"
(VO: cutaways of Obama posing for pix)
Obama\'s plan would bring all 30,000 surge troops home by September of next year ...
(VO: File Afghan fighting)
... but still leave 70,000 U.S. troops to battla a stubborn Taliban ...
(VO: Back to Obama)
... while diplomats try to get peace talks going.
(SOT/Obama)
\"Because of you there are signs that the Taliban may be interested in a political settlement.\"
(VO: APTN shots of French newser with guys in uniform)
Meantime, the allies are following suit -- French officials announcing they, too, will draw down a force of 4,000.
(Standup bridge - last take 9)
While the president was discussing his plan with the troops, aides back here in Washington were defending it -- both against hawks who called it a politically driven rush to the exits, but even top Democrats, who worry it DOESN\'T move...

President Obama has paid a surprise visit to Afghanistan on the anniversary of the killing of 9/11 m

published:31 Jul 2015

President Obama has paid a surprise visit to Afghanistan on the anniversary of the killing of 9/11 m

President Obama has paid a surprise visit to Afghanistan on the anniversary of the killing of 9/11 m

published:31 Jul 2015

views:2

HEADLINE: Obama in Afghanistan on bin-Laden anniversary
CAPTION: President Obama has paid a surprise visit to Afghanistan on the anniversary of the killing of 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden and signed an agreement cementing U.S. ties with the nation that once harbored the al-Qaida chief. (May 1)
[Location - Date:KABUL, AFGHANISTAN -- POOL VIDEO --MAY 1ST]
[VOICE-OVER]
TRACK#2
(VO: Obama arrives Bagram)
Despite a decade of war AND Osama bin-Laden\'s death, President Obama still had to slip into Afghanistan in the dark of night.
(VO: Signing)
HIS STATED PURPOSE: SIGNING AN ACCORD ON CONTINUED U.S. SUPPORT AFTER THE CONFLICT WINDS DOWN IN TWO YEARS, AND MOST U.S. TROOPS COME HOME.
(SOT/President Obama - 3:30 from start of signing ceremony remarks )
\"Together, we\'re now committed to replacing war with peace and pursuing a more hopeful future as equal partners.\"
(VO: NAT SOUND To cheers and troops, then FILE of bin-Laden)
But he was ALSO in Afghanistan to mark the night choppers took off FROM there taking a NAVY SEAL team to bin-Laden\'s hideout in Pakistan.
(SOT/Obama - 5:30 from top of troops remarks)
\"And a year ago, we were finally able to bring Osama bin-Laden to justice. (Cheers fade)\"
(VO: DISSOLVE to Abbottabad compound)
So important is that to his election-year narrative that Obama he delivered a nighttime speech to the nation from Bagram Air Field.
(SOT/Obama)
(SOT/Obama - 7:34 p.m. approx)
\"The goal that I set -- to defeat al-Qaida and deny it a chance to rebuild -- is now within our reach.\"
(VO: To Romn...

President Obama has paid a surprise visit to Afghanistan on the anniversary of the killing of 9/11 m

published:31 Jul 2015

views:2

HEADLINE: Obama in Afghanistan on bin-Laden anniversary
CAPTION: President Obama has paid a surprise visit to Afghanistan on the anniversary of the killing of 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden and signed an agreement cementing U.S. ties with the nation that once harbored the al-Qaida chief. (May 1)
[Location - Date:KABUL, AFGHANISTAN -- POOL VIDEO --MAY 1ST]
[VOICE-OVER]
TRACK#2
(VO: Obama arrives Bagram)
Despite a decade of war AND Osama bin-Laden\'s death, President Obama still had to slip into Afghanistan in the dark of night.
(VO: Signing)
HIS STATED PURPOSE: SIGNING AN ACCORD ON CONTINUED U.S. SUPPORT AFTER THE CONFLICT WINDS DOWN IN TWO YEARS, AND MOST U.S. TROOPS COME HOME.
(SOT/President Obama - 3:30 from start of signing ceremony remarks )
\"Together, we\'re now committed to replacing war with peace and pursuing a more hopeful future as equal partners.\"
(VO: NAT SOUND To cheers and troops, then FILE of bin-Laden)
But he was ALSO in Afghanistan to mark the night choppers took off FROM there taking a NAVY SEAL team to bin-Laden\'s hideout in Pakistan.
(SOT/Obama - 5:30 from top of troops remarks)
\"And a year ago, we were finally able to bring Osama bin-Laden to justice. (Cheers fade)\"
(VO: DISSOLVE to Abbottabad compound)
So important is that to his election-year narrative that Obama he delivered a nighttime speech to the nation from Bagram Air Field.
(SOT/Obama)
(SOT/Obama - 7:34 p.m. approx)
\"The goal that I set -- to defeat al-Qaida and deny it a chance to rebuild -- is now within our reach.\"
(VO: To Romn...

President Barack Obama's special envoy said Afghanistan's upcoming presidential contest will be impe

published:31 Jul 2015

President Barack Obama's special envoy said Afghanistan's upcoming presidential contest will be impe

President Barack Obama's special envoy said Afghanistan's upcoming presidential contest will be impe

published:31 Jul 2015

views:0

HEADLINE: US Special Envoy: \'no election can be perfect\'
---------------------------------------
CAPTION: President Barack Obama\'s special envoy said Afghanistan\'s upcoming presidential contest will be imperfect, but the country cannot be held to a democratic standard that even the U.S. struggles to achieve. (July 25)
----------------------------------------
sot: Richard Holbrooke, US envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan:
\"Only the second election in your history and the first truly contested election is a difficult thing to hold under any circumstances. To hold it in the middle of a war is extraordinary. And I congratulate the independent electoral commission, the complaints commission and the people of Afghanistan for attempting such an extraordinary effort in the middle of a
war. I am pleased that the world community, led by the United Nations and the United States, is supporting this effort.\"
sot: Richard Holbrooke, US envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan:
\"Everybody knows that no election can be perfect. And this election is facing many complex challenges. We have just discussed many of them in our conversation: how we make sure that women can vote, which requires women at
the polls as poll watchers, as people inspecting, and so on.\"
You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/a6961fb047794f6b9b4d6a348eb4f13b
Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork...

President Barack Obama's special envoy said Afghanistan's upcoming presidential contest will be impe

published:31 Jul 2015

views:0

HEADLINE: US Special Envoy: \'no election can be perfect\'
---------------------------------------
CAPTION: President Barack Obama\'s special envoy said Afghanistan\'s upcoming presidential contest will be imperfect, but the country cannot be held to a democratic standard that even the U.S. struggles to achieve. (July 25)
----------------------------------------
sot: Richard Holbrooke, US envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan:
\"Only the second election in your history and the first truly contested election is a difficult thing to hold under any circumstances. To hold it in the middle of a war is extraordinary. And I congratulate the independent electoral commission, the complaints commission and the people of Afghanistan for attempting such an extraordinary effort in the middle of a
war. I am pleased that the world community, led by the United Nations and the United States, is supporting this effort.\"
sot: Richard Holbrooke, US envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan:
\"Everybody knows that no election can be perfect. And this election is facing many complex challenges. We have just discussed many of them in our conversation: how we make sure that women can vote, which requires women at
the polls as poll watchers, as people inspecting, and so on.\"
You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/a6961fb047794f6b9b4d6a348eb4f13b
Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork...

OBAMA AND HOLLANDE ON AFGHANISTAN TROOP WITHDRAWAL

published:31 Jul 2015

OBAMA AND HOLLANDE ON AFGHANISTAN TROOP WITHDRAWAL

OBAMA AND HOLLANDE ON AFGHANISTAN TROOP WITHDRAWAL

published:31 Jul 2015

views:0

US President Barack Obama and fellow NATO leaders solidified plans in Chicago on Monday for an \"irreversible transition\" in Afghanistan, affirming their commitment to end the deeply unpopular war in 2014, and voicing confidence in the ability of Afghan forces to take the lead for securing their country even sooner.
During a news conference Obama said: \"We\'re now unified behind a plan to responsibly wind down the war in Afghanistan. A plan that trains Afghan security forces, transitions to the Afghans and builds a partnership that can endure after our combat mission in Afghanistan ends,\" adding that \"we\'re in the process of drawing down 33,000 troops by the end of this summer.\"
Afghan forces for the first time will take over the lead of the combat mission by the middle of 2013, a milestone moment in a long, costly transition to control.
Even as backups, though, ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) will face surprise attacks and bombings until the war\'s end.
Obama said the challenges would continue for Afghanistan, adding: \"We are making substantial progress against our core objective of defeating al-Qaida and denying it safe haven, while helping the Afghans to stand on their own.\"
Some NATO countries, most recently France, have sought to end their combat commitments early.
In France, voters elected President Francois Hollande in part because of a campaign pledge to pull his country\'s 3,300 troops out of Afghanistan ahead of schedule.
Since taking office, Hollande has said he plans to make good on his promise to bring combat troops home by the end of this ...

OBAMA AND HOLLANDE ON AFGHANISTAN TROOP WITHDRAWAL

published:31 Jul 2015

views:0

US President Barack Obama and fellow NATO leaders solidified plans in Chicago on Monday for an \"irreversible transition\" in Afghanistan, affirming their commitment to end the deeply unpopular war in 2014, and voicing confidence in the ability of Afghan forces to take the lead for securing their country even sooner.
During a news conference Obama said: \"We\'re now unified behind a plan to responsibly wind down the war in Afghanistan. A plan that trains Afghan security forces, transitions to the Afghans and builds a partnership that can endure after our combat mission in Afghanistan ends,\" adding that \"we\'re in the process of drawing down 33,000 troops by the end of this summer.\"
Afghan forces for the first time will take over the lead of the combat mission by the middle of 2013, a milestone moment in a long, costly transition to control.
Even as backups, though, ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) will face surprise attacks and bombings until the war\'s end.
Obama said the challenges would continue for Afghanistan, adding: \"We are making substantial progress against our core objective of defeating al-Qaida and denying it safe haven, while helping the Afghans to stand on their own.\"
Some NATO countries, most recently France, have sought to end their combat commitments early.
In France, voters elected President Francois Hollande in part because of a campaign pledge to pull his country\'s 3,300 troops out of Afghanistan ahead of schedule.
Since taking office, Hollande has said he plans to make good on his promise to bring combat troops home by the end of this ...

President Obama Speaks to Troops in Afghanistan

Obama announces Afghanistan plan, sending more troops.

published:31 Jul 2015

Obama announces Afghanistan plan, sending more troops.

Obama announces Afghanistan plan, sending more troops.

published:31 Jul 2015

views:0

HEADLINE: Obama: Taliban and al-Qaida must be stopped
---------------------------------------
CAPTION: President Barack Obama declared Friday that the United States must \'disrupt, defeat and dismantle\' the al-Qaida terrorist organization and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan. (March 27)
----------------------------------------
SOT
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Obama announces Afghanistan plan, sending more troops.

published:31 Jul 2015

views:0

HEADLINE: Obama: Taliban and al-Qaida must be stopped
---------------------------------------
CAPTION: President Barack Obama declared Friday that the United States must \'disrupt, defeat and dismantle\' the al-Qaida terrorist organization and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan. (March 27)
----------------------------------------
SOT
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U.S. troops based in Kandahar, Afghanistan watched President Obama's historic address from the White

published:31 Jul 2015

U.S. troops based in Kandahar, Afghanistan watched President Obama's historic address from the White

U.S. troops based in Kandahar, Afghanistan watched President Obama's historic address from the White

published:31 Jul 2015

views:0

HEADLINE (48 characters): Raw Video: Troops view bin Laden death statement
CAPTION: (255 characters): U.S. troops based in Kandahar, Afghanistan watched President Obama\'s historic address from the White House in which he announced that a U.S. military mission killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. (May 2)
APTN STORY NUMBER: 686856
SHOTLIST
1. Various of US soldiers based in military airbase watching US President Barack Obama announcing the death of Osama bin Laden
2. Close of soldier\'s arm badge showing ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) sign
3. Various of soldiers watching TV
You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/8dd58146888e119cf68ab5348c7bc38b
Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork...

U.S. troops based in Kandahar, Afghanistan watched President Obama's historic address from the White

published:31 Jul 2015

views:0

HEADLINE (48 characters): Raw Video: Troops view bin Laden death statement
CAPTION: (255 characters): U.S. troops based in Kandahar, Afghanistan watched President Obama\'s historic address from the White House in which he announced that a U.S. military mission killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. (May 2)
APTN STORY NUMBER: 686856
SHOTLIST
1. Various of US soldiers based in military airbase watching US President Barack Obama announcing the death of Osama bin Laden
2. Close of soldier\'s arm badge showing ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) sign
3. Various of soldiers watching TV
You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/8dd58146888e119cf68ab5348c7bc38b
Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork...

STORYLINE:
US President Barack Obama said on Monday his administration\'s thinking on possible military involvement in Syria would change if chemical or biological weapons came into play in the Syrian civil war.
Speaking to reporters at a White House news conference, Obama said the use of such wea

AP Television
Washington, DC 21 August, 2009
1. Wide of Barack Obama approaching podium
2. Cutaway - reporters/cameras
3. SOUNDBITE: (English) Barack Obama, President - United States:
\"This was an important step forward in the Afghan people\'s effort to take control of their future, even a

HEADLINE: Obama visits troops amid Afghan pullout grumbles
CAPTION: A day after announcing he\'s ending the Afghanistan \"surge,\" President Barack Obama went to see Army troops -- while critics griped about his plan, and his top commanders acknowledged they\'d have preferred a slower drawdown. (June 2

HEADLINE: Obama in Afghanistan on bin-Laden anniversary
CAPTION: President Obama has paid a surprise visit to Afghanistan on the anniversary of the killing of 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden and signed an agreement cementing U.S. ties with the nation that once harbored the al-Qaida chief. (May 1)

HEADLINE: US Special Envoy: \'no election can be perfect\'
---------------------------------------
CAPTION: President Barack Obama\'s special envoy said Afghanistan\'s upcoming presidential contest will be imperfect, but the country cannot be held to a democratic standard that even the U.S. struggle

US President Barack Obama and fellow NATO leaders solidified plans in Chicago on Monday for an \"irreversible transition\" in Afghanistan, affirming their commitment to end the deeply unpopular war in 2014, and voicing confidence in the ability of Afghan forces to take the lead for securing their coun

HEADLINE: Obama: Taliban and al-Qaida must be stopped
---------------------------------------
CAPTION: President Barack Obama declared Friday that the United States must \'disrupt, defeat and dismantle\' the al-Qaida terrorist organization and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan. (March 27)
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HEADLINE (48 characters): Raw Video: Troops view bin Laden death statement
CAPTION: (255 characters): U.S. troops based in Kandahar, Afghanistan watched President Obama\'s historic address from the White House in which he announced that a U.S. military mission killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. (M

1. Wide of reporter asking question to US President Barack Obama and South African President Jacob Zuma at news conference
2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Jacob Zuma, South Africa President:
\"The position of former President Mandela in terms of his health, he remains critical but stable, so nothing has c

1. US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron walking into White House Rose Garden for news conference
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Barack Obama, US President:
\"What\'s undeniable though and what we can never forget is that our forces are making very real progress, dismantling al-

SHOTLIST
1. US President Barack Obama walking towards podium and saying (English) \"Good evening\"
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Barack Obama, US President:
\"I ordered an additional 30-thousand American troops into Afghanistan. When I announced this surge at West Point, we set clear objectives: to refocus

++NIGHT SHOTS++
1. US President Barack Obama coming down stairs of Air Force One and shaking hands with unidentified people on tarmac before walking towards helicopter
2. Wide pan of airfield with Air Force One and helicopter about to take off with Obama and other helicopters preparing to fly in

1. US President Barack Obama walking to podium at the White House
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Barack Obama, US President:
\"Over the weekend, as many of you know, there was a tragic incident in which a number of Afghan civilians were killed. What I\'ve made (sic) to President Karzai when I spoke to him i

President Obama pays a surprise visit to US troops stationed in Afghanistan on Memorial Day weekend 2014. Video courtesy ISAF Regional Command East.

duration:21:57

published:25 May 2014

updated:25 May 2014

views:13978

Iran–Contra affair

The Iran–Contra affair (Persian: ایران-کنترا‎, Spanish: caso Irán-contras), also referred to as Irangate, Contragate or the Iran-Contra scandal, was a political scandal in the United States that came to light in November 1986. During the Reagan administration, senior Reagan administration officials secretly facilitated the sale of arms to Iran, the subject of an arms embargo. Some U.S. officials also hoped that the arms sales would secure the release of hostages and allow U.S. intelligence agencies to fund the NicaraguanContras. Under the Boland Amendment, further funding of the Contras by the government had been prohibited by Congress.

The scandal began as an operation to free seven American hostages being held by a terrorist group with Iranian ties connected to the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution. It was planned that Israel would ship weapons to Iran, and then the U.S. would resupply Israel and receive the Israeli payment. The Iranian recipients promised to do everything in their power to achieve the release of the U.S. hostages. The plan deteriorated into an arms-for-hostages scheme, in which members of the executive branch sold weapons to Iran in exchange for the release of the American hostages. Large modifications to the plan were devised by Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North of the National Security Council in late 1985, in which a portion of the proceeds from the weapon sales was diverted to fund anti-Sandinista and anti-communist rebels, or Contras, in Nicaragua.